This has led Japan to become one of the most densely populated countries in the world and the majority of its inhabitants are used to living in very small spaces, with a heavy reliance on public transport. Built on the site of the old Edo castle, it is surrounded by a large park, moats and massive stone walls. Early spring brings ume matsuri (plum blossom festival), where pink and white plum blossom start blossoming in the mountainous areas, on the grounds of temple & shrines, and public parks. Sidewalks in Japanese cities are sometimes sloped towards the road, which can make travelling a straight line difficult for wheelchair users or people with vision impairment. A lot of summer festivals or matsuri takes place in Japan, more so than in any other country. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to fees to amend with the airline or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure. The Gion Matsuri is Kyotos largest annual festival and one of Japan's most famous. If there is one collection of Japanese months that we love, it is its spring months. As a polytheistic religion, it allows more freedom for believers to worship the kami or other deities of their choosing. You will be required to handle your own luggage. Why? The busiest travel period of the year, during which families return home to pray to the spirits of their ancestors, is the Buddhist holiday Obon. Dates. While everybody wants to revel in the beauty that is the Sakura, the crowds can make it difficult to get accommodation in hotels. If youre interested in Japans matsuri (festival) culture, summer is the best time to visit. A member of our team will notify you as soon as dates become available. Located about half an hour north of Sapporo, Otaru is a stunning port city famous for it's wonderfully preserved canal, sake distilleries and rich fishing culture. Much like most other countries, Japan does not see many travelers darkening its doors in these months, wanting to explore its glorious culture. The artistic gymnastics championship will take place in Kitakyushu City General Gymnasium, while the rhythmic competition will be contested in the West Japan Exhibition Centre. Etiquette is important to pretty much everyone in Japan, regardless of age or subculture. The 1958 comedy Rickshaw Man is based on a local folk hero of Kokura called Muhomatsu or "Wild Pine" and has been called the Japanese "Desperado". 4000 fireworks are launched on the festival's second night (July 25) while a procession of flaming ships bearing portable shrines and people dressed in period costume travels along the Ogawa River. In regards to size of the suitcases, to ensure that all luggage can be accommodated on-board,. There are five zones in this grand park, a serene place for reflection. Cheapest Time to Visit Japan Celebrate Japanese Kawaii Culture this October as . Graduate School of International Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, Fukuoka University Institute for Recycling and Environmental Control Systems, Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Information, Production and Systems/Information, Production and Systems Research Center, Waseda University, This page was last edited on 22 October 2022, at 03:54. This can only be done at time of booking and cannot be added after purchase. Route 3 is a short connector between routes 1 and 2, and route 4 is the longest of the Kitakyushu Expressway network, serving most of the city from north to south. You can experience a greener side of Japan if you know where to look. This means you have found the least crowded months to visit Japan! Arrive in Japan with a game plan. Japanese autumns have a different sort of experience to offer when it comes to visual appeal and beauty. Well continue onto some of Kyotos most iconic sites, like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Every April, locals enter the shrines splendid inner garden to celebrate the Heian Jingu Reisai Festival. Needless to say, these festivals are fun and magnificent. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. Felt like Disneyland over the holidays. These traditional vessels offer a picture-perfect way to cruise across the waters of Lake Ashinoko. Osaka's Tenjin Festival is ranked among Japan's Three Great Festivals, together with Kyoto's Gion and Tokyo's Kanda Festivals. Next stop is the citys major Shinto shrine, Suwa Shrine, that sits atop a hill overlooking Nagasaki. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable, Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they are familiar with the most up to date airline schedule prior to departure. The city was born from the merger of five municipalities (Moji, Kokura, Tobata, Yahata and Wakamatsu) centered around the ancient feudal city of Kokura. Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour? Find out Japan Attractions. Many of these buildings date back to the Muromachi period (1338-1573) and are shining examples of Zen architecture of the time. Tobata Gion) that are mostly Across Japan, you will find cultural heritage high rated by international standards. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. Follow this up with nearby Miyajima, a tranquil island where tame deer roam the streets. Please note, this process can take several business days to complete. Cherry blossom (sakura) is one of the major signs of Japanese spring alongside plum blossoms, tulips and other flowers. Awa Odori is a specialty of this dance that was born in Tokushima, on the island of Shikoku. Top 10 Traditional Japanese Festivals Its highly notable seasonal attractions depend on these seasons. If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Summer usually lasts from June to August with three to four week of rainy season. Enjoy a dance and music performance and learn about the life of a modern-day geisha in a private session in a traditional Kyoto townhouse, and enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki meal. Kitakyushu is featured in the late 2012 Call of Duty: Black Ops II game developed by Treyarch and published by Activision as a DLC map called Magma. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located in the Peace Memorial Park, is a sobering experience for those who wish to explore further. Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. With any luck you might spot a geisha, otherwise known as a geiko or maiko. This is something that is done throughout Japan throughout the month of August in different temples. The harrowing gallery displays stories compiled from survivors. Some festival are held over several days. With a focus on fresh, seasonal produce that is prepared meticulously and presented beautifully, dining in Japan is a memorable experience. They became saints in the 20th century. It is said that Gion Matsuri originates from a ceremony called goryoe held to calm a vengeful ghost when an epidemic prevailed in the Heian Period (7941185). Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalizing your booking. If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. Though the two often overlap and many Japanese consider themselves members of both, they are distinct religions with unique origins and traditions. Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Kanazawas proximity to the Sea of Japan means that fresh seafood (particularly crab) is a key feature of izakaya in this city. This does not include carry on. Hokkaidos flowers fields cover with different flowers such as lavender, poppy, sunflowers, tulips and many more. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the traditional rustic ambience of a merchants house from Japans feudal era. Most festivals are held annually and celebrate the shrine's deity or a seasonal or historical event. Cheapest Time to Visit Japan If youd ask me to picture the quintessential Japanese Shinto building, this would Nothing will go well, so you always feel uneasy. Wish these words, the dragon if youve only got a few days to explore, you need a local edge to find Tokyo's Japan is a photogenic country, but there are certain spots you should check out if all it takes is an old man, a bowl, a rolling pin, a huge knife thing, Mr Miyagi Intrepid's in-house foodologist, James Shackell, sets out to prove a theory as old Shakespeare once said, The sauce to meat is ceremony; meeting were bare without What is it about Asia that throws up strange and unusual places to rest your head? div.a { Similar holidays and festivals happen around the country year round. This is something that is done throughout Japan throughout the month of August in different temples. Please DO NOT book any additional services, such as flights, until we have confirmed your Inspiring Vacations package in writing. It is one of Japan's 20 designated cities, one of three on Kyushu, and is divided into seven wards. Kokura was the primary target of the nuclear weapon "Fat Man" on August 9, 1945. The flashy district of Dtonbori is a hive of activity; a shopping, food and entertainment hotspot. If possible, verify the text with references provided in the foreign-language article. Japans big three festivals are the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto (July), Kanda Festival in Tokyo (May), and Tenjin Festival in Osaka (July), but festivals are held throughout the country in the summer months. 4000 fireworks are launched on the festival's second night (July 25) while a procession of flaming ships bearing portable shrines and people dressed in period costume travels along the Ogawa River. A railway using tram cars, the Chikuh Electric Railroad, runs between Kurosaki-Ekimae and Chikuh-Ngata stations, serving Yahatanishi-ku and the neighboring city of Ngata. All childrenaged 5to 17 years oldmust provide proof of vaccination(if eligible), proof of recovery or anegative COVID-19 test. Manners and strict etiquet From cherry blossoms to sunflowers and hydrangeas, Japan is a country in bloom It is said that Gion Matsuri originates from a ceremony called goryoe held to calm a vengeful ghost when an epidemic prevailed in the Heian Period (7941185). Learn about the history of gold leaf in Japan and how its used to embellish fine lacquerware, ceramics, chopsticks and modern-day items. Osaka-Kyoto-Nara Itinerary International Traveller People spin highly decorated battle floats as they pull them through the streets.[17]. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. The sculpted gardens of Japan may not be wild, but they are undeniably beautiful and often demonstrate a greater harmony with the natural world than other examples from around the globe. Visa & Passport informationIt is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. If you happen to visit Japan in the summer months but are not a fan of the scorching heat, you can opt for places like the Japanese Alps, Hokkaido, and Tohoku. Youll be staying in the Lake Kawaguchiko area. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. A lot of summer festivals or matsuri takes place in Japan, more so than in any other country. The Center for Contemporary Art opened in May 1997 by former Japan Foundation chief curator Nobuo Nakamura and Akiko Miyake. Ancient, adaptive and advanced, with a culture influenced by both ancient philosophy and modern enterprise, a tour in Japan offers a heightened version of the familiar (think vending machines that serve cold beer,robot-staffed hotels) and a singular culture that captivates travellers. Japan to allow visa-free individual tourists from Oct. 11 We have partnered with a worldwide network In cities like Tokyo there are loads of quirky stores and funky galleries showcasing the works of independent fashion designers and gadget-creators. Winters may be only one cause for this lack of tourism; some people who are lured by the springtime hype prefer going to view cherry blossoms instead. At the appropriate time, make your way to the airport to board your ongoing flight home. In Best month to visit Japan, we will cover some important facts on different months in Japan so you can determine the best month to visit the island. Japanese celebrate many popular summer festivals in this season as well. Read more about obtaining a visa for Japan. text-decoration: none; Depending on departure date and time of booking, the required booking class for airfare offer may be too far in advance to book with the appropriate airline. These jigoku (hells) can reach temperatures of about 98 degrees. In Japan, toilets range from high-tech bidets to standard western-style flushable toilets to squat toilets, which are still common outside the city. If there is no option to add additional nights accommodation to your booking, then extending your stay with Inspiring Vacations is not an option and you can instead choose to change your booking to Land Only so you can arrange both your airfares and additional accommodation independently. This is considered a fast-paced tour. Best Autumn Festivals & Events: Takayama Autumn Festival, Koyo Festival, Arimatsu Festival, Sapporo Autumn Fest, Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival, Naha Matsuri, Zuiki Festival, Karatsu Kunch, Ohara Matsuri, Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, Jidai Matsuri, Nihonmatsu Lantern festival, Nagasaki Kunchi, Jidai Matsuri, and etc. Celebrate the end of your Japan adventure with a casual meal in one Asakusas backstreet eateries, followed by a visit to a karaoke bar for that quintessential Japan experience! Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of an izakaya pub Japans traditional drinking place where friends and colleagues get together to catch up and socialise over traditional Japanese food and drinks. Thomas Cook provides you with a range of Japan holiday packages customised to suit your every need. In Japan, autumn starts from the middle of September till early December. Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. Built in the Asuka era, its the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo be prepared for crowds! One city in Japan is twinned with Kitakyushu city. There will not always be porters available to assist in handling your luggage, therefore please expect that you may need to carry your bags at times and store them in the carriage. Lush forest and moss-covered boulders abound on the remote island of Yakushima, for example. Japan If this doesn't make you want to What's prettier than a tree laden with cherry blossoms? In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local shrine or temple , though they can be secular. Matsuri is the Japanese word for festival. Recently located to a new, larger location, the sprawling fish Japan is a country with buckets of charm and ancient history, but its customs can be tricky to navigate On arrival, well tour Kenrokuen Garden, heralded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. This depends on the package you are booking. They might be next to each other but is one country actually better? However, keep in mind though, be prepared for large crowds and too many tourists in the spring months in Japan. Convenience store fare? There is usually a large incense burner out front for purification. Japan is undoubtedly one of the hottest destinations in the world right now, and for good reason. This enduring cultural symbol has been considered sacred since ancient times. In 2011 an offshore earthquake and resulting tsunami wreaked havoc on Japan and caused at least 15,000 deaths, plus the meltdown of Fukishima nuclear reactors. Festivals (Matsuri Even One minute youre walking through a former black-market quarter, the next youre paying your respects at a 1400-year-old temple. Read more about mobile phone use in Japan. This geographically blessed country is spectacular year-round, easy to navigate and packed with ancient sights. This is somewhat at odds with the Confucian-influenced, old school Japanese culture, which is based on modesty, respect and discipline. Mojik Station in Moji-ku is the northern terminus of the Kagoshima Main Line, the most important line in the JR Kyushu network. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. If you have a battery-operated hearing aid, its a good idea to bring extra batteries or familiarise yourself with the Japanese equivalent of the batteries it takes. Japanese people celebrate both Shinto and Buddhist holidays with an equal amount of reverence and enthusiasm. If you want an adventure with a point of difference, consider planning your travels to coincide with these popular festive events. Kyoto is considered by many to be the jewel in Japans crown and one of the only cities in Japan to escape destruction during World World II, leaving its countless relics intact. Visit neighborhood shrines illuminated at night and stop at a bar and sample some local sake and food. Then its onto Tokyo, famed metropolis, arguably one of the most extraordinary capital cities on the planet. Tour LengthThe total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport which usually have less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. On the 25th anniversary, it was renamed Wasshoi Hyakuman because the city population had reached one million. This lively area is home to everything food-related fresh ingredients, street food vendors, kitchen utensils. Happy exploring! Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if: If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages, COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan, See centuries-old shrines, explore pristine national parks, shop in chic urban centers or simply relax on an island beach resort, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage Site structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here. Champon is a classic Nagasaki dish and reflects the citys cosmopolitan past and history with early Chinese and Western traders. How to book my flights through the flight portal: As the travel industry moves towards providing customers with more self-service options, we are excited that our customers will have the opportunity to book their flights through our flight portal. Some festival are held over several days. 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